Peel Extract Research Articles

KARAKTERISTIK KIMIA DAN SENSORI PERMEN JELLY KULIT BUAH NAGA (Hylocereus polyrhizus) DENGAN PENAMBAHAN SARI BUAH BELIMBING WULUH (Avverhoa bilimbi L.)

ABSTRACT Jelly candy is candy made from filtered fruit juice with gelling additions, has a clear color and soft texture with a certain level of chewiness. Dragon fruit skin contains anthocyanins and is a source of natural antioxidants and contains pectin. Belimbing wuluh contains oxalic acid and citric acid, so it can replace the use of citric acid in making jelly cady. The purpose of this study is the utilization of red dragon fruit peel as pectin and natural coroling in teh manufacture of jelly. This study used a one factor Completely Randomized Design (CRD), namely the concentration ratio of dragon fruit peel extract with star fruit (70:40), (80:30), and (90:20). Product analysis includes sensory test and water content test as a determinant of the selected product. Data analysis used was ANOVA with Duncan’s further test. The selected jelly candy was obtained in the treatment (90:20). The results of the sensory test on jelly candy are bright red to intense red, slightly scented with dragon fruit peel, sweet and slightly sour taste, soft and sticky texture and overall favored by panelists. The selected jelly candy has a moisture content of 34.79%, reducing sugar content of 25.75% and saccharose content of 83.20%. In addition, the selected jelly candy has a high vitamin C content of 1027.14 mg/100g.

Phytochemical Screening and Biological Activity (Antioxidant and Antibacterial) of Punica granatum Fruit peel extract Cultivated in Sa'dah Governorate-Yemen

Punica granatum (Pomegranate) is a valuable source of secondary plant metabolism compounds (SMs) that are widely used in the pharmaceutical, cosmetics, and food industries. The phytochemical screening illustrates that the Sa’dah P. granatum cultivar peel ethanol extract containsvarious beneficial components, including Flavonoids, Alkaloids, Steroids, Phenols, and Tannins. Moreover, the Sa’dah P. granatum cultivar peel ethanol extract (1.3 μg/ml) exhibited significant antioxidant activity compared to low concentrations of ascorbic acid (0.4, 0.6, 0.8, and 1 μg/ml). Furthermore, the Sa’dah P. granatum cultivar peel ethanol extract displays potent antibacterial activities against selected pathogenic bacteria (Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa) compared to two nominated antibiotics (Ampicillin and Gentamicin). This remarkable performance can be attributed to the presence of phenols and flavonoid compounds, which exhibit high antioxidant activity.

Effect of Lemon peel extract mediated gold nanoparticles on hematobiochemical and sperm parameter alterations in lead- arsenic induced combined exposure in male rats

Gold was used in the vedic era in India to enhance strength, potency and to combat the aging process in humans. It is one of the few metals which can be used at nano scale due to its resistance to oxidation. Considering the biological activity of gold, the present study was carried out to evaluate the effect of Lemon peel extract gold Nanoparticals (LPGNP) on As + Pb induced reproductive toxicity in rats. In present study twenty-four wistar rats were divided into four groups, group I served as control, group II, III, IV received co-exposure of Sodium Arsenate 13.8mg/kg and Lead acetate 116.4 mg/kg, p.o. daily for 14 days, followed by oral administration of LPGNP @10 and 20 mg/kg, to group III and IV, respectively for 6 weeks. At the end of experiment hematology, reproductive parameters and histopathology of testes was studied. The findings of study revealed significant alteration in hematobiochemical parameters, serum testosterone concentration, sperm motility, total sperm count and sperm viability in rats received As-Pb exposure whereas LPGNP administration caused marked improvement in reproductive parameters. In histopathology of testis, As + Pb caused degenerative changes of seminiferous tubules, and sloughing of spermatogenic cells. In LPGNP treated rats, minimal histopathological alterations were observed in testis. In conclusion LPGNP caused significant improvement in biochemical and sperm parameters and testosterone level in As + Pb induced reproductive toxicity in rats.

Polymethoxylated flavone variations and in vitro biological activities of locally cultivated Citrus varieties in China

Citrus peels are rich in polymethoxylated flavones (PMFs), which have beneficial health and pharmacological properties. In this study, the profiles, variations, and biological activities of PMFs in the peel extracts of 27 Citrus varieties (eight species) native to China were investigated. UPLC-QTOF-MS/MS analysis revealed that mandarin accumulated more diversity and higher detectable PMF contents. Wangcangzhoupigan (ZPG) possessed the highest antioxidant capacity. Gailiangcheng (GLC) and Bingtangcheng (BTC), sweet oranges showed excellent inhibitory effects against pancreatic lipase and α-glucosidase, respectively. Most citrus extracts effectively inhibited the production of ROS and pro-inflammatory cytokines, while increasing the accumulation of anti-inflammatory cytokines. In addition, Limeng (LM), Cupig-oushigan (GSG), and Yanxiwanlu (YXWL) showed anti-proliferative effects against DU145 and PC3 cancer cells. This study provides a comprehensive PMF profile and biological activities of various citrus species and will benefit future functional citrus breeding practices aimed at designing plants rich in total or specific PMFs for health benefits.

Evaluation of the Moisturizing Efficacy and Stability of an Essence Sheet Mask Formulated with Red Dragon Fruit (Hylocereus polyrhizus) Peel Extract

Evaluation of the Moisturizing Efficacy and Stability of an Essence Sheet Mask Formulated with Red Dragon Fruit (Hylocereus polyrhizus) Peel Extract

Fighting sepsis-induced liver damage with biosynthesized silver nanoparticles.

Sepsis is a potentially fatal disease that arises from an infection and is characterized by an uncontrolled immune system reaction. Global healthcare systems bear a heavy financial burden from treating sepsis. This study aimed to provide information on the effective properties of silver nanoparticles derived from pomegranate peel extract (P-AgNP) against sepsis-induced hepatic injury. P-AgNPs were spherical with a diameter of ~19 nm. The animals were placed into four groups, each with seven rats. Group 1 functioned as the control group, receiving only saline for 7 days. Group 2 received only P-AgNPs at a dose of 20 mg/kg. To induce sepsis, groups 3 and 4 were given an intraperitoneal injection of 200 mg/mL cecal slurry. Sixty min later, group 4 was given 20 mg/kg of P-AgNPs daily for 7 days. The concentrations of reduced glutathione, nitric oxide, lipid peroxidation, and superoxide dismutase in liver homogenate were measured to determine the oxidative status. In addition, enzyme activities (alanine aminotransferase, aspartate amino transferase, and alkaline phosphatase) were measured. Furthermore, we investigated the histological changes, immunohistochemical expression of nuclear factor-κB, and mRNA levels of IL1β, IL-6, TNF-α, Bax, BCl2, and Casp-3. P-AgNPs functioned as regulators in a sepsis model, successfully controlling altered gene expression. Following treatment, P-AgNPs improved tion and oxidative state, indicating a role in sepsis management. Based on our findings, we conclude that P-AgNPs have antioxidant activity and may be useful in preventing sepsis-induced liver inflammation, oxidative damage, and apoptosis. RESEARCH HIGHLIGHTS: Pomegranate peel-derived silver nanoparticles (P-AgNPs) enhanced liver function and oxidative state in rats with sepsis-induced hepatic damage. P-AgNPs reduced oxidative stress and liver inflammation via regulating inflammatory and apoptotic gene expression. P-AgNPs enhanced liver enzyme activities, histological structure, and immunohistochemistry expression of nuclear factor-κB.

Karakteristik warna crayon dari pemanfaatan ekstraksi limbah kulit buah naga (hylocereus polyrhizus)

Background: Crayons are drawing equipment made from colored wax, charcoal, chalk, or other materials used for writing and coloring. Crayons are used in schools throughout the world because crayons are easy to use, do not make dirty, blunt, non-toxic, and have many colors. Findings: Crayons can be used from children to adults. Wax crayons are usually used by children to draw and color. One popular crayon brand is Crayola. Dragon Fruit Skin (Hylocereus polyrhizus) contains anthocyanin which can be used as a natural coloring agent for decorative preparations and also has antioxidant activity. Methods: Dragon fruit skin (Hylocereus polyrhizus) extraction has been carried out by means of dragon fruit peel extracted using the wet maceration method with 70% ethanol. The extract was then made into 2 crayon formulations with concentrations of 25% and 20%, respectively. The crayon formulation consists of paraffin wax and dragon fruit peel extract. The resulting crayons have a brownish color, and aromatic odor typical of dragon fruit peel extract. Conclusion: The results of the topical test obtained the best formula on the formula with the composition of the dragon fruit peel extract 25% and 75% paraffin wax. Based on the results of the topical test, this crayon can be used. It's just that the color and texture of crayons that are easily brittle and oily make the results of this research experiment not as expected.

Evaluation of scarless wound healing through nanohydrogel infused with selected plant extracts

In this study, a CMC-based hydrogel nanocomposite was prepared and loaded with bioactive components along with silver nanoparticles. For aesthetic reasons, an alternative was found that can result in scar-free wound healing. To accelerate scar-free wound healing, bioactive phytoproducts such as aloe vera, curcumin, and peel of plantain were blended along with the nanocomposite hydrogel that contained silver nanoparticles (CMC + Ag + P). The prepared hydrogels proved to have good antibacterial activity against both Gram-positive (S.aureus) and Gram-negative (E.coli) non-pathogenic bacteria. The prepared hydrogel had an excellent wound-healing ability which was studied using in vitro scratch assay against A375 cell line. The biocompatibility of the hydrogels was proved using an MTT assay. The scar free wound healing was established in Wistar rat model where burn wounds were healed using CMC + Ag + P. The wound healed were compared with only silver (CMC + Ag) and saline treated animals and the histopathological studies, VEGF and PDGF analysis confirmed that the wound healing was scar free after CMC + Ag + P treatment. We could conclude that the presence of plantain peel extract which is a source of ascorbic acid and is rich in vitamin C can aid in scar-free wound healing.

Combination Effects of African Leaf Ethanol Extract (Vernonia amygdalina Del.) with Red Onion Peel (Allium cepa L.) as Antidiabetes in Streptozotocin-induced Mice

Type 2 diabetes arises when the body becomes resistant to insulin or when the pancreas fails to produce sufficient insulin. This study aimed to evaluate the antidiabetic effects of reducing blood glucose levels in white male mice through the administration of an ethanol extract of African leaves and onion peel, as well as to determine the duration of these effects. Streptozotocin was used to induce diabetes in the mice, and the experiment was conducted over a period of 21 days. The mice were divided into seven groups: Group 1 received a placebo (CMC Na 0.5%), Group 2 received glibenclamide (0.013 mg/20 g body weight), Group 3 received a single dose of African leaf extract (4.2 mg/20 g BW), Group 4 received a single dose of onion peel extract (4 mg/20 g BW), and Groups 5, 6, and 7 received combinations of African leaf and onion peel extracts at ratios of 1:1, 1:2, and 2:1, respectively. The results demonstrated that the combined administration of African leaf and onion peel extracts significantly reduced blood glucose levels, with decreases of 44.701%, 49.929%, and 51.996% in the 1:1, 1:2, and 2:1 group, respectively. The 1:1 combination was particularly effective, showing a reduction in blood glucose levels comparable to the positive control, which achieved a 45.957% decrease. The administration of the test preparations effectively reduced blood glucose levels over 21 days, with significant reductions observed on both the 14th and 21st days.

Effect of orange fruit peel extract concentration on the synthesis of zinc oxide nanoparticles.

In this investigation, the impact of reducing agent concentration on the synthesis of zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) was examined. During the synthesis, an assessment of ionic conductivity was carried out, revealing a significant increase in conductivity prior to the introduction of the reducing agent, followed by a sharp decrease upon its addition. Characterization of the ZnO NPs involved ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, and, X-ray diffraction analysis. The outcomes suggest that the characteristics of the ZnO NPs are influenced by the concentration of the reducing agent during the synthesis process. Notably, the ZnO NPs synthesized with a higher concentration of reducing agent exhibited a narrower optical band gap and increased surface energy. Furthermore, employing a concentration of 0.5 v/v resulted in the rapid production of NPs with relatively uniform sizes. Conversely, concentrations below 0.5 v/v lead to slow formation, while concentrations exceeding 0.5 v/v yielded non-uniform NPs.

Phytocure drug alternatives to manage antimicrobial resistance in poultry transmitted human pathogens

ABSTRACT This research aimed to explore natural, cost-effective alternatives to conventional antibiotics, focusing on Citrus sinensis peel and Moringa oleifera leaf extracts. The objectives were to extract, characterize, and evaluate the antimicrobial potential of these extracts against common poultry pathogens. The proximate analysis of M. oleifera leaf powder revealed 22% protein, 10% fat, 10% ash, and 10% fiber. Phytochemical screening of both aqueous and ethanol extracts of M. oleifera and orange peel indicated the presence of alkaloids, flavonoids, saponins, tannins, and total phenolics. These extracts exhibited significant antimicrobial activity against bacterial strains like E. coli, S. gallinarum, P. aeruginosa, B. cereus, Campylobacter, S. aureus and M. gallisepticum. In a study involving 30 broilers, those treated with M. oleifera extract showed superior antibacterial effects compared to other treatment groups. These findings suggest that M. oleifera leaf extract could serve as an effective, affordable alternative to antibiotics in broiler diets, potentially improving disease management in the poultry industry.

On the Rapid Synthesis of Reduced Graphene Oxide via Ultrasound-Promoted Eco-Friendly Reduction Approach and Its Effects on Physicochemical Properties.

The common synthesis approach of reduced graphene oxide (rGO) using toxic reducing agents poses a threat to environmental pollution. This study used banana peel extract as a green reducing agent for the synthesis of rGO. Ultrasonication was assimilated to expedite the synthesis process. For comparison, rGO was also produced by reducing GO with hydrazine treatment under conventional stirring. Both morphological (SEM) and physicochemical (FTIR and XRD) studies have revealed that banana peel extract can reduce GO to rGO, although its reducing effect is much weaker compared to hydrazine. Despite this, the rGO produced using banana peel extract with the assimilation of ultrasonication technique has a greater interlayer spacing than that formed under the conventional stirring method. In terms of electrical properties, the electrical conductance of hydrazine-produced rGO (5.69×10-6 S) is higher than the banana peel extract-produced rGO (3.55×10-6 S-4.56×10-6 S). Interestingly, it was found that most of the rGO produced by banana peel extract under ultrasound assistance has higher or comparable electrical conductance compared to the rGO produced by banana peel extract under stirring method. This implies the feasibility of using short-period ultrasound to replace conventional stirring in rGO synthesis.

KAPSUL EKSTRAK KULIT PISANG AMBON MENINGKATKAN KADAR NITRIT OKSIDA PADA WANITA HIPERTENSI USIA SUBUR

Hypertension affects individuals of all ages, including women. One of the contributing factors to hypertension is oxidative stress. Banana peel contains high levels of flavonoids, which increase antioxidant activity. This study aimed to analyze the effect of ambon banana peel extract capsules on increasing nitric oxide levels and reducing blood pressure hypertensive women. This research employed quasi experimental design with purposive sampling, non randomized pre and post test control group design. The sample included 32 hypertensive women divided into two groups 16 in the intervention group and 16 in the control group. The intervention group received 2,500 mg of banana peel extract capsules addition to antihypertensive drugs, the control group received only antihypertensive drugs. Both groups were treated for 14 days. The results indicated that the mean systolic blood pressure the intervention group decreased average of 16.32 mmHg, compared to decrease of 7.49 The results indicated that the mean systolic blood pressure in the intervention group decreased an average of 16.32 mmHg, compared decrease of 7.49 mmHg in the control group. Mean diastolic blood pressure the intervention group decreased by 12.56 mmHg, compared decrease 4.68 mmHg in the control group. Nitric oxide levels increased by 61.06 points in the intervention group and decreased by 19.75 points the control group. Conclusion, the study found significant differences in pretest-posttest systolic and diastolic blood pressure between the intervention and control groups, indicating that ambon banana peel extract capsules effectively increase nitric oxide levels and reduce blood pressure in hypertensive women

Construction of chromium-free passivation film of pomelo peel extract on the surface of lithium-ion battery copper foil and study on anti-corrosion mechanism

Passivation treatment is the last key process to ensure the service life of copper foil for lithium-ion batteries. Although chromic anhydride commonly used in industry has an efficient passivation effect, it can threat human health and the environment. Herein, an environmentally friendly passivator is prepared from pomelo peel by a simple and economical solution extraction method, which makes copper foil have good anti-corrosion properties in air, chlorine-containing solution, and organic electrolyte. Electrochemical methods and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) confirm the potential of pomelo peel extractant (PP) to replace chromic anhydride as a passivating agent for copper foil. The interaction mechanism between PP and copper foil is analyzed by adsorption models, and the efficient passivation behavior of PP for copper foil is consistent with the Langmuir model. Density Functional Theory (DFT) calculations of the naringin (main component of PP) is performed to further reveal the protection mechanism of PP on copper foil. In addition, the copper foil treated by PP still has excellent electrochemical performance as lithium-ion battery current collector, indicating that the presence of PP not only protects the copper foil from corrosion, but also does not affect the conductivity of the copper foil. This research provides a new insight into the chrome-free passivation of copper foils, which is in line with the development concept of green production.

Development of a gel formulation with pomegranate peel extract (Punica granatum L.) for antimicrobial and wound healing action

The aim of this study was to evaluate the feasibility of producing a gel from pomegranate peel extract for topical application, specifically for antimicrobial and wound healing purposes. Initially, the dry crude pomegranate peel extract (DCPPE) was analyzed for its phenolic profile using HPLC and by determining the total phenolic content (TPC), and total antioxidant activity (TAA). Carbomer-based gels were prepared and subjected to antimicrobial susceptibility tests to determine the optimal concentration of DCPPE (1.25 %, 2.5 %, and 3.75% w/w) in the formulations. Then, gel was produced in larger quantities and submitted to physicochemical and microbiological tests after being stored at room temperature or under refrigeration for 90 days. Gallic acid, ellagic acid, and punicalagin A and B were identified in DCPPE. The TPC was measured at 61.92 mg of gallic acid equivalent per gram (mg.GAE.g−1) and the TAA was 93.8 % (solution at 40 µL.mL−1), demonstrating superiority over butylhydroxytoluene (BHT) and gallic acid solutions at equivalent concentrations. Antimicrobial susceptibility tests indicated a significant difference (p < 0.05) for the 2.5% w/w DCPPE gel against Staphylococcus aureus and Candida albicans, which was the chosen concentration. Over a 30-day period under both storage conditions, there was no significant difference in pH values, and the reduction of TPC in the refrigerated formulation was <10 %, indicating good stability. Furthermore, the in vitro antimicrobial activity of the gel remained effective against all tested strains. These results suggest that the medicinal carbomer-based gel with DCPPE at 2.5% w/w has potential as a pharmaceutical form for antimicrobial and wound healing purposes. The utilization of DCPPE as a pharmaceutical bio-input for the gel is a sustainable approach to valorizing pomegranate peel biowaste.

Green Synthesis of SnO2 Nanocrystals Using Garcinia Mangostana L Fruit Peels Extract as Natural Capping Agent

The hydrothermal synthesis of SnO2 nanocrystals at a relatively low-temperature range of 95-100 °C was successfully conducted utilising Garcinia Mangostana L fruit peel extract as a natural capping agent. Characterisation of the synthesised SnO2 nanocrystals was performed using an X-ray diffractometer (XRD) for phase analysis and determination of crystallite size and a Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) for morphology analysis. XRD analysis revealed the formation of phase-pure SnO2 nanocrystals, with distinct peaks at angles (2θ) of 26.01°, 33.89°, and 51.70° corresponding to miller indices (110), (101), and (211) as per JSPDS standard data. The absence of impurity peaks in the XRD pattern indicated the high purity of the synthesised SnO2 nanocrystals. SEM images exhibited differences in the size and morphology of the synthesised SnO2 nanocrystals with and without the extract. Specifically, the presence of the fruit peel extract led to a reduction in aggregate formation and inhibited crystal growth, resulting in smaller aggregates. These findings highlight the significant impact of Garcinia Mangostana L fruit peel extract on the hydrothermal synthesis of SnO2 nanocrystals with varied sizes and morphologies.

Study on the removal of Cd from dewatered sludge by combined extraction agents: Peel extract and compound chemical extraction agent

The recycling of fruit peel resources is a current research hotspot. This study screened and configured a composite extractant consisting of peel and chemical extractant through extraction experiments and explored the heavy metals(HMs) release effect. The results showed that citrus reticulata(CR), citrullus lanatus (CL), 0.16 mol·L−1 nitrilotriacetic acid(NTA) with 0.04 mol·L−1 oxalic acid(NO5), and 0.12 mol·L−1NTA with 0.08 mol·L−1tartaric acid(NT4) had the strongest extraction ability. After the cross-combination was optimized, CR-NO5 (1:50, 6 h, 35 °C) and CL-NT4 (1:50, 36 h, 45 °C) had the highest extraction rates for Cd and Zn, which were 92.6 % and 98.4 %, respectively. The CL series increased the nutrient content of sludge (157.75–177.88 g·kg−1). The four combined extractants increased the proportion of soluble components of HMs in sludge (14–36 %). Therefore, the combined leaching agent will provide a valuable reference for the harmless treatment of HMs in sludge and the resource utilization of peel waste.

Biosynthesis of Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles Using Garlic Peel Extract and Their Antibacterial Potential

Zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) have gathered interest because of their unique characteristics and potential applications. In the current work, ZnO NPs underwent an eco-friendly biosynthesis process using garlic peel extract. The biosynthesized ZnO NPs were characterized using different analyses including Ultraviolet-visible (UV-vis) spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS), dynamic light scattering (DLS), and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). The produced ZnO NPs exhibited a UV–vis spectrum absorption peak at 365 nm, thus indicating the formation of ZnO NPs. The SEM showed that the biosynthesized ZnO NPs had an irregular surface morphological shape with an average size of 17 nm, according to the DLS analysis. Based on the FTIR findings, the bioactive functional groups responsible for stabilizing and capping the ZnO-NPs were confirmed. The biosynthesized ZnO NPs exhibited 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical-scavenging activity and antimicrobial activities against Gram-positive (Bacillus cereus) and Gram-negative bacteria (Klebsiella pneumonia). Therefore, the plant-mediated biosynthesized ZnNPs can be considered a promising candidate as an antioxidant and antimicrobial agent against pathogenic microbes found in different areas such as food safety and agriculture. Through the utilization of bioinformatics, we identified six potential targets for drug development in K. pneumonia and B. cereus, along with their corresponding interacting residues with zinc oxide nanoparticles. Additionally, our research revealed that the zinc oxide nanoparticles exhibited binding capabilities with the sulfiredoxin domain located at the specific targets of K. pneumonia, a crucial mechanism responsible for the repair of bacterial cells under oxidative stress.

Comparative Study on Quorum Modulatory Effect of Selected Medicinal Plants on Chromobacterium violaceum ATCC 12472 (MTCC 2656)

Among the main global health concern is the rampant rise in antibiotic resistant bacteria. One of the appealing and promising strategies to combat this menace is to target the adaptive mechanism called quorum sensing (QS) used by bacteria to survive. Exploratory research on anti-QS compounds derived from natural products has been a promising area. The present study investigated methanolic extracts from 26 plants to compare their anti-QS activity using the QS biosensor strain Chromobacterium violaceum American Type Culture Collection (ATCC 12472) (Microbial Type Culture Collection MTCC2656). QS-mediated violacein pigment inhibition was carried out using agar well diffusion method with concentrations ranging from 10 mg/ml to 100 mg/ml. Leaf extracts of Mangifera indica and Pimenta dioica and peel extract of Punica granatum were the only three plants found to exhibit violacein inhibitory potential till 10 mg/ml. The result of the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) showed 1.6 mg/ml for M. indica and P. dioica and 6.25 mg/ml for P. granatum. Further, violacein inhibitory properties of these extracts at and below MIC were evaluated by well diffusion assay (qualitative) and by flask incubation assay (quantitative). The zone of inhibition (well diffusion assay) was found to be 14.51 ± 0.63 mm to 10.37 ± 0.68mm for M. indica, 15.23 ± 0.57 mm to 9.62 ± 1.29 mm for P. granatum and 17.01 ± 0.1 mm to 13.14 ± 0.18 mm for P. dioica. The inhibitory effect of the plant extracts via quantitative assay on violacein ranged from 83-49%, 89-81%, and 89-49% for M. indica, P. granatum, and P. dioica respectively. Our findings suggested the potential of M. indica, P. granatum, and P. dioica methanolic extracts as a source of effective inhibitors of QS-mediated violacein production.

Banana Peel Extract-Derived ZnO Nanopowder: Transforming Solar Water Purification for Safer Agri-Food Production.

Pure water scarcity is the most significant emerging challenge of the modern society. Various organics such as pesticides (clomazone, quinmerac), pharmaceuticals (ciprofloxacin, 17α-ethynilestradiol), and mycotoxins (deoxynivalenol) can be found in the aquatic environment. The aim of this study was to fabricate ZnO nanomaterial on the basis of banana peel extract (ZnO/BPE) and investigate its efficiency in the photocatalytic degradation of selected organics under various experimental conditions. Newly synthesized ZnO/BPE nanomaterials were fully characterized by the XRD, FTIR, SEM-EPS, XPS, and BET techniques, which confirmed the successful formation of ZnO nanomaterials. The photocatalytic experiments showed that the optimal catalyst loading of ZnO/BPE was 0.5 mg/cm3, while the initial pH did not influence the degradation efficiency. The reusability of the ZnO/BPE nanomaterial was also tested, and minimal activity loss was found after three photocatalytic cycles. The photocatalytic efficiency of pure banana peel extract (BPE) was also studied, and the obtained data showed high removal of ciprofloxacin and 17α-ethynilestradiol. Finally, the influence of water from Danube River was also examined based on the degradation efficiency of selected pollutants. These results showed an enhanced removal of ciprofloxacin in water from the Danube River, while in the case of other pollutants, the treatment was less effective.